Defending champions Germany have been eliminated from the World Cup at the group stage following defeat by South Korea, in one of the biggest shocks in the competition's history.
In their final Pool-F game in Kazan last night, the four-time winners crashed out conceding twice in injury time courtesy Kim Young-gwon and Son Heung-min as they pressed for the goal which would have sent them through. South Korea, ranked 57th in the world celebrated their both goals as if they had qualified themselves.
Germany's early elimination was confirmed when Sweden produced a superb performance to beat Mexico, 3-0, in the other Pool-F game at Ekaterinburg, to top the group and advance to the Round of 16. Ludwig Augustinsson and Andreas Granqvist scored for the Swedes, before Edson Alvarez turned an attempted clearance past his own keeper. Although Mexico had been defeated, they too qualified, owing to their victory in the first two games.
In Group E, Brazil avoided a shock result by defeating Serbia 2- 0 to finish top of their Group and book a last 16 tie against Mexico. Two goals of the match came from Paulinho in 36th minutes and Thiago Silva in 68th minute.
In another Group E encounter, Switzerland knocked out Costa Rica with a thrilling 2-2 draw, which was enough for them to progress to the round of 16 in their Group E fixture at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on Wednesday.
Belrim Dzemaili and Josip Dermic scored for Switzerland. Kendall Watson scored first goal for Costa Rica and Costa Rica, already eliminated, equalised in injury time,.
In the Round of 16, while Brazil will meet Mexico on Monday, Sweden will take on Switzerland on Tuesday.
After Wednesday's matches, 14 of the 16 knock-out berths have been decided, and two will be determined on Thursday.
